Tuesday, January 18 2005 13:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jammu: Breaking the lull on the infiltration front, BSF (Border Security Force) troops today (Jan 18, 2005) foiled a major intrusion bid along the LoC (Line of Control) and shot dead five heavily-armed Pakistani mercenaries in a 10-hour-long gun battle, which also left a jawan seriously injured.

A group of six-seven heavily-armed Pakistani militants accompanied by their commander crossed into Indian territory from a Pakistani post via LoC into Balnoi forward area of Mendhar sector in Poonch district around 01:40 hrs (IST), Inspector General (IG), BSF Jammu frontier, B D Sharma told reporters in Jammu today.

As the BSF had advance information about the infiltration, it set-up ambushes after cordoning off the area.

Commanded by officiating Commandant, Ajit Kumar, BSF troops allowed the militants to come closer to border fence and in the firing range, Sharma said.

As the militant group came closer to the BSF ambush parties, troops challenged them resulting in a fierce gun battle, he said adding that the Commandant's Personal Security Officer Suckhchain Singh received bullet injuries.

In the 10-hour-long gun battle, BSF troops shot dead five heavily armed militants, he said adding that two of them are still in the cordon as the operation was still on.

The critically injured BSF jawan was admitted to Krishnagati military hospital in Poonch and his condition was serious, he said adding that this is a major achievement of the Force.

So far, 5 AK rifle, one sniper rifle, 23 magazines, 29 grenades, 6 pithos filled with explosives and other ammunitions were recovered from the spot, IG said.